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A cloudy outlook for consumer demand is causing many business owners to limit their growth plans. But keeping growth in check can have upsides.
As businesses enter an uncertain year, many are curbing their growth plans
A cloudy outlook for consumer demand is causing many business owners to limit their growth plans out of caution. But keeping growth in check can have upsides.
mktplc.org
January 10, 2026 at 2:29 AM
A cloudy outlook for consumer demand is causing many business owners to limit their growth plans. But keeping growth in check can have upsides.
Why is the long-term unemployed rate climbing? Plus: AI agriculture, hurricane recovery, and tempered growth expectations.
Today on Marketplace.
Today on Marketplace.
The weak spot in this job market
Why the long-term unemployed rate is climbing. Plus: AI agriculture, hurricane recovery, and tempered growth expectations.
mktplc.org
January 10, 2026 at 12:31 AM
Why is the long-term unemployed rate climbing? Plus: AI agriculture, hurricane recovery, and tempered growth expectations.
Today on Marketplace.
Today on Marketplace.
The Labor Department productivity report showed productivity increased 4.9% in the third quarter. It’s the quickest growth in two years.
So why does the labor market remain stalled?
So why does the labor market remain stalled?
Why productivity keeps climbing while the labor market stays flat
The Labor Department’s shutdown-delayed report shows third quarter productivity grew at the fastest pace in two years — a 4.9% annualized gain.
mktplc.org
January 9, 2026 at 10:29 PM
The Labor Department productivity report showed productivity increased 4.9% in the third quarter. It’s the quickest growth in two years.
So why does the labor market remain stalled?
So why does the labor market remain stalled?
When it comes to rebuilt homes getting insurance, part of the equation is how fire-resilient they are. But there are hurdles to making a home more fire-hardy.
The challenges of fire-resistant rebuilding
When it comes to rebuilt homes getting insurance, part of the equation is how fire-resilient they are. But there are hurdles to making a home more fire-hardy.
mktplc.org
January 9, 2026 at 8:31 PM
When it comes to rebuilt homes getting insurance, part of the equation is how fire-resilient they are. But there are hurdles to making a home more fire-hardy.
It's that time again! Did Marketplace make you smarter this week? Take our news quiz to find out.👇
Marketplace News Quiz
Every week, the Marketplace news quiz brings you a fresh set of questions about the economy — from the quirky to the wonky. Whether you’re a news junkie, a casual scroller or just love a little trivia with your morning coffee, the quiz is a fast, fun wa...
mktplc.org
January 9, 2026 at 6:35 PM
It's that time again! Did Marketplace make you smarter this week? Take our news quiz to find out.👇
In New York City, 3- and 4-year-old children can already go to preschool for free.
Now, that program is expanding.
Now, that program is expanding.
NYC to provide expansion of free child care in "high-need" areas
Two year-olds in “high-need” areas will be the first to benefit from free child care that older preschoolers already receive.
mktplc.org
January 9, 2026 at 3:59 PM
In New York City, 3- and 4-year-old children can already go to preschool for free.
Now, that program is expanding.
Now, that program is expanding.
U.S. military action in Venezuela signals a broader shift in the Trump administration’s foreign policy focus.
Today on "Make Me Smart."
Today on "Make Me Smart."
Venezuela and Trump's new Monroe Doctrine
U.S. military action in Venezuela signals a broader shift in the Trump administration’s foreign policy focus.
mktplc.org
January 9, 2026 at 1:59 AM
U.S. military action in Venezuela signals a broader shift in the Trump administration’s foreign policy focus.
Today on "Make Me Smart."
Today on "Make Me Smart."
Employers are hesitant to hire, and workers are stretched thin. Plus: Retailers regroup post-holidays, NYC to expand free child care, and river communities “build” whitewater waves.
Today on Marketplace.
Today on Marketplace.
Productivity climbs — without hiring to match
Employers are hesitant to hire and workers are stretched thin. Plus: Retailers regroup post-holidays, NYC to expand free child care, and river communities “build” whitewater waves.
mktplc.org
January 9, 2026 at 12:14 AM
Employers are hesitant to hire, and workers are stretched thin. Plus: Retailers regroup post-holidays, NYC to expand free child care, and river communities “build” whitewater waves.
Today on Marketplace.
Today on Marketplace.
Retailers want to know if you’ll pay more than the next person for the same goods and services.
And they’ll use data on everything from your eye movements to your walk to find out.
And they’ll use data on everything from your eye movements to your walk to find out.
At grocery stores, shopping with a side of biometric surveillance
Retailers want to know if you’ll pay more than the next person for the same goods and services. And they’ll use data on everything from your eye movements to your walk to find out.
mktplc.org
January 8, 2026 at 10:59 PM
Retailers want to know if you’ll pay more than the next person for the same goods and services.
And they’ll use data on everything from your eye movements to your walk to find out.
And they’ll use data on everything from your eye movements to your walk to find out.
How are BBQ restaurants in Texas dealing with the brisket craze? 🥩
We talked to two pitmasters in Taylor, Texas about how increased demand is affecting their bottom lines: www.marketplace.org/story/2026/0...
We talked to two pitmasters in Taylor, Texas about how increased demand is affecting their bottom lines: www.marketplace.org/story/2026/0...
Brisket prices smoke Texas pitmasters
YouTube video by Marketplace APM
www.youtube.com
January 8, 2026 at 10:22 PM
How are BBQ restaurants in Texas dealing with the brisket craze? 🥩
We talked to two pitmasters in Taylor, Texas about how increased demand is affecting their bottom lines: www.marketplace.org/story/2026/0...
We talked to two pitmasters in Taylor, Texas about how increased demand is affecting their bottom lines: www.marketplace.org/story/2026/0...
“I don't want to go home and worry that I'm gonna end up with cancer or a respiratory illness, but I ache in my heart to go home,” says one of David Brancaccio's neighbors in Altadena.
Smoke damage is a major problem for Altadena residents who didn't lose their homes
For many in Altadena with houses still standing after the Eaton fire, it has been a year of headaches trying to clean their homes and make them habitable again.
mktplc.org
January 8, 2026 at 6:20 PM
“I don't want to go home and worry that I'm gonna end up with cancer or a respiratory illness, but I ache in my heart to go home,” says one of David Brancaccio's neighbors in Altadena.
The semiconductor shortage is back. But the causes and effects are a bit different this time around.
AI investment continues to drive chip shortage
Honda has postponed the reopening of a plant in China and manufacturers of consumer electronics are warning of price increases due to the shortage of computer chips.
mktplc.org
January 8, 2026 at 3:59 PM
The semiconductor shortage is back. But the causes and effects are a bit different this time around.
Nearly a third of the power that AI data centers use goes to keeping the computing equipment cool. But the next generation of chips might not need as much cooling.
Nvidia says its new AI chips won't require as much AC
Nearly a third of the power that AI data centers use goes to keeping the computing equipment cool.
mktplc.org
January 8, 2026 at 2:59 AM
Nearly a third of the power that AI data centers use goes to keeping the computing equipment cool. But the next generation of chips might not need as much cooling.
Labor market anxieties are growing. Plus: An update on rebuilding after the Eaton fire, an advancement in semiconductor tech, and a strong year for auto sales.
Today on Marketplace.
Today on Marketplace.
Labor market anxieties grow
Plus: An update on rebuilding after the Eaton fire, an advancement in semiconductor tech, and a strong year for auto sales.
mktplc.org
January 8, 2026 at 1:08 AM
Labor market anxieties are growing. Plus: An update on rebuilding after the Eaton fire, an advancement in semiconductor tech, and a strong year for auto sales.
Today on Marketplace.
Today on Marketplace.
More than 16 million new cars were sold in 2025.
That’s up about 2% for the year, despite the fact that it’s gotten increasingly expensive to buy a car.
That’s up about 2% for the year, despite the fact that it’s gotten increasingly expensive to buy a car.
Car sales rose in 2025, despite rising prices
Sales were buoyed by expectations that prices would rise even more soon, tarrif concerns, and now-ended electric vehicle tax credits.
mktplc.org
January 7, 2026 at 11:01 PM
More than 16 million new cars were sold in 2025.
That’s up about 2% for the year, despite the fact that it’s gotten increasingly expensive to buy a car.
That’s up about 2% for the year, despite the fact that it’s gotten increasingly expensive to buy a car.
Technology is shifting the agricultural industry and farmers are embracing the change. Here's how one farmer is using his computer science degree on his farm.
Today on Marketplace Tech.
Today on Marketplace Tech.
Farming in the digital age
Technology is shifting the agricultural industry and farmers are embracing the change. How one farmer is using his computer science degree on his farm.
mktplc.org
January 7, 2026 at 7:59 PM
Technology is shifting the agricultural industry and farmers are embracing the change. Here's how one farmer is using his computer science degree on his farm.
Today on Marketplace Tech.
Today on Marketplace Tech.
Some Altadena residents have already broken ground and laid the foundation for their new homes. Others have had to sell their property and move on.
For Eaton Fire survivors, rebuilding is full of surprise, hardship, and joy
Some Altadena residents have already broken ground and laid the foundation for their new homes. Others have had to sell their property and move on.
mktplc.org
January 7, 2026 at 5:48 PM
Some Altadena residents have already broken ground and laid the foundation for their new homes. Others have had to sell their property and move on.
Disruptive geopolitical events, like the arrest of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro by the U.S., often see investors jump into bonds or sell off a bunch of stocks temporarily.
Neither of those happened.
Neither of those happened.
How Wall Street reacted to U.S. military actions in Venezuela
Disruptive geopolitical events, like the arrest of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro by the U.S., often see investors jump into bonds or sell off a bunch of stocks temporarily. Neither of those happened.
mktplc.org
January 7, 2026 at 3:01 PM
Disruptive geopolitical events, like the arrest of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro by the U.S., often see investors jump into bonds or sell off a bunch of stocks temporarily.
Neither of those happened.
Neither of those happened.
Corporations are expected to take on record debt in 2026. Plus: Rebuilding after the LA fires, rising brisket prices, and Costco wine snobs.
Today on Marketplace.
Today on Marketplace.
Corporations expected to take on record debt in 2026
Plus: Rebuilding after the LA fires, rising brisket prices, and Costco wine snobs.
mktplc.org
January 7, 2026 at 1:16 AM
Corporations are expected to take on record debt in 2026. Plus: Rebuilding after the LA fires, rising brisket prices, and Costco wine snobs.
Today on Marketplace.
Today on Marketplace.
It’s been a year since the Eaton and Palisades fires swept through Southern California, destroying over 16,000 structures — including the home of our own David Brancaccio.
On "Make Me Smart," David joined Kimberly to discuss the complicated, costly task of rebuilding with fire resistant materials.
On "Make Me Smart," David joined Kimberly to discuss the complicated, costly task of rebuilding with fire resistant materials.
The road to rebuilding, one year after the LA wildfires
Marketplace’s David Brancaccio joins Kimberly to share his experience.
www.marketplace.org
January 7, 2026 at 12:20 AM
It’s been a year since the Eaton and Palisades fires swept through Southern California, destroying over 16,000 structures — including the home of our own David Brancaccio.
On "Make Me Smart," David joined Kimberly to discuss the complicated, costly task of rebuilding with fire resistant materials.
On "Make Me Smart," David joined Kimberly to discuss the complicated, costly task of rebuilding with fire resistant materials.
Corporate debt issuance is expected to hit a record in 2026. That's despite all of the uncertainty in this economy and the fact that interest rates are still higher than they were just a few years ago.
Corporations are expected to borrow more money than ever in 2026
Corporate bond issuance is a gauge that tells us how the broader economy is doing.
mktplc.org
January 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Corporate debt issuance is expected to hit a record in 2026. That's despite all of the uncertainty in this economy and the fact that interest rates are still higher than they were just a few years ago.
Futurist @amywebb.bsky.social of the Future Today Strategy Group explains how the convergence of AI, energy, robotics, biology and more will define how tech evolves and how it will influence our lives.
Today on Marketplace Tech.
Today on Marketplace Tech.
How convergence will define the tech sector in 2026
Futurist Amy Webb of the Future Today Strategy Group explains how the convergence of AI, energy, robotics, biology and more will define how tech evolves and how it will influence our lives.
mktplc.org
January 6, 2026 at 9:50 PM
Futurist @amywebb.bsky.social of the Future Today Strategy Group explains how the convergence of AI, energy, robotics, biology and more will define how tech evolves and how it will influence our lives.
Today on Marketplace Tech.
Today on Marketplace Tech.
On a single street in Altadena, 15 houses were total losses after the Eaton Fire.
One year later, our own David Brancaccio gives us an update on how he and his Altadena neighbors are rebuilding: www.marketplace.org/story/2026/0...
One year later, our own David Brancaccio gives us an update on how he and his Altadena neighbors are rebuilding: www.marketplace.org/story/2026/0...
How David Brancaccio's Altadena neighbors are rebuilding, one year since the Eaton Fire
YouTube video by Marketplace APM
www.youtube.com
January 6, 2026 at 8:16 PM
On a single street in Altadena, 15 houses were total losses after the Eaton Fire.
One year later, our own David Brancaccio gives us an update on how he and his Altadena neighbors are rebuilding: www.marketplace.org/story/2026/0...
One year later, our own David Brancaccio gives us an update on how he and his Altadena neighbors are rebuilding: www.marketplace.org/story/2026/0...
A year after the Eaton Fire destroyed thousands of homes in LA County, people are still rebuilding — and searching for contractors to do the job.
Our own David Brancaccio checked in with his neighbor, Dustin Kunkel, who spoke to 30 contractors before finding someone to rebuild the house he owned.
Our own David Brancaccio checked in with his neighbor, Dustin Kunkel, who spoke to 30 contractors before finding someone to rebuild the house he owned.
After the LA fires, finding a contractor to rebuild is no small feat
A year after the Eaton Fire destroyed thousands of homes in Los Angeles County, people are still rebuilding — and searching for contractors to do the job.
mktplc.org
January 6, 2026 at 5:59 PM
A year after the Eaton Fire destroyed thousands of homes in LA County, people are still rebuilding — and searching for contractors to do the job.
Our own David Brancaccio checked in with his neighbor, Dustin Kunkel, who spoke to 30 contractors before finding someone to rebuild the house he owned.
Our own David Brancaccio checked in with his neighbor, Dustin Kunkel, who spoke to 30 contractors before finding someone to rebuild the house he owned.
Economists and analysts are looking to new data from late 2025 to help them understand where the economy might be headed in 2026.
All eyes on jobs data
Economists and analysts are looking to new data from late 2025 to help them understand where the economy might be headed in 2026.
www.marketplace.org
January 6, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Economists and analysts are looking to new data from late 2025 to help them understand where the economy might be headed in 2026.